Pndurang Shastri Athavale

Pandurang Shastri Athavale, popularly known as Dada, is a philosopher cum social reformer. He is credited with being the founder of the Swadhyay Movement. Not present in the world anymore, Pandurang Shastri Vaijnath Athavale was known for giving extremely moving discourses on Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. Infact, he tried to motivate his followers to spread the thoughts of Geeta in the society. Given below is the complete biography of Pandurang Shastri Athavale His Life History Pandurang Shastri Athavale was born on 19th October 1920, in the Roha village near Mumbai city. His grandfather was Laxman Rao, a renowned scholar and Brahmin who was involved in the spread of Bhagavad Gita amongst the Dalits. Pandurang grew up watching his grandfather go to the Dalit area and then take a bath after coming back home. Surprised by this act, he asked Laxman “If in the Bhagavad Gita the Lord exclaims that God exists within all human hearts, then how can anyone, including the so-called ‘untouchables’, be considered inferior to anyone else?” After that, he made a vow to himself that he would always try to see the God within others. Hence, he became the proponent of the concept of “In-dwelling God”. By the age of 22 years, Pandurang Shastri Athavale started giving discourses at the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Pathshala, a school that was set up by his father. In the year 1954, he attended the Second World Religions Conference, which was held in Japan. At the conference, he delivered a speech on the concepts of Vedic ideals as well as the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Even though most of the people rebuffed his views; there was one person who was very impressed with him. He was Dr. Wilson Compton, who then offered Pandurang a post in the USA to spread his ideas and views. However, Pandurang politely turned down the offer. He then devoted himself in establishing a model community, through the spread of Vedic thoughts and message of the Bhagavad Gita. Thus was born the Swadhyay (meaning ’self study’) Movement, which spread the message of the holy book not only in India, but the whole world. The family members of the Swadhyay Pariwar are called ‘Swadhyayees’ and include people from the upper as well as the lower classes. The Swadhyayees who spread the ideas of Athavale throughout the country are known as “Krutisheels’ or the people of action. Pandurang Shastri Athavale also founded an institute, known as Tatvagyan Vidhyapeeth, where young people study and learn his views and ideas. Pandurang left for the holy abode on 25th October 2003, in Mumbai. His adopted daughter, Jayshree Talwalkar, is carrying on his work today. Recognition * Ramon Magsaysay Award in Manila, Philippines (1996) – for community leadership * Templeton Prize in Westminster Abbey, London (1997) * Padma Vibhushan (1998) – for his efforts towards social reform

Peruvian envoy to undertake research on Adi Sankara

t Attracted by the teachings of Adi Sankara, a Peruvian envoy in India has decided to undertake research on the eighth century philosopher of Vedanta at a university run by the Kanchi Kamakoti Trust. Carlos A. Irigoyen Forno, Deputy Chief of Mission, Peruvian Embassy in New Delhi, who introduces himself as a descendent of Incas tribals of the South American nation, has applied for doing research on Adi Sankara at the Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya (CSVMV) in nearby Enathur. Mr. Forno, who was here to visit the famous Kamakshi Amman temple on Sunday, said he had been drawn to Adhisankara for over 42 years. When asked what inspired him, he said it was a tryst he made with Ved Vyas 42 years back, whose Mahabharatha he read in a French translation. He was overwhelmed by the canvass and the thought, he said. The Incas, who are part of the tribal population of Peru, share many things in common with Hindus, he said, adding they have the same belief in Sun and Moon worship, besides worshipping Garuda and snake. The Peruvian Deputy Ambassador said ties between countries can develop and strengthen only on the base laid by universities and trade. Universities have a great role to play through exchange of scholars and Ideas, he said. On trade ties between Peru and India, he said Peru is a major producer of gold and silver and there was great demand for Indian silk sarees and gold ornaments in his country. The Asia—Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries of which Peru was a part, would be holding their summit meet at Tokyo soon and the discussions would cover economic issues important for the entire world. On India not being a member of the bloc, he said trade imbalance could be one reason. He said a vast potential waited to be tapped in Peru. India and Peru have a rich Biodiversity, and could jointly fight Intellectual Property Rights issues at world levels, where the challenge was thrown up everyday. Protection of Rights and Registration Laws are areas of crucial importance to both the countries, he said, adding there was much that both countries could gain by joining in areas like mining, natural gas and exploring of traditional knowledge. Keywords: Adi Sankara, Advaita philosopher, Vedanta, Kalady, Kanchi Kamakoti Trust, Carlos A. Irigoyen Forno

Solar Cookers in India | Global Ideas

Hundreds of children attend the schools of the Muni Seva Ashram in the Western Indian state of Gujarat everyday. Their school meals used to be prepared over wood fires. Now a new project harnesses the power of the sun for the school canteen.